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March 18, 2018

Before he embarked on a career in law enforcement almost 30 years ago, Rick Martinez dreamed of working in the hospitality industry. "I had been very interested in doing restaurant or hotel/motel work," he says.

Then the fatally destructive Loma Prieta Earthquake struck with mega-force in October 1989. "I was 20 and happened to be working for the city lifeguard service at the time," he says. "Because of that, when the quake happened, I was assigned to help with the recovery efforts in downtown Santa Cruz."

Martinez deployed that first night of the quake — and for the next couple of weeks. "We were working 20-hour days," he recalls.

By the time his deployment ended, Martinez had radically modified his career path.

"It was a real pinnacle moment for me," he says. "That's when I really decided to seriously consider public safety as a profession. I saw first-hand what public service really means."

Now Deputy Chief of Police for the City of Santa Cruz, Martinez reflects on another life pivot that resulted from that long-ago quake deployment: The experience formally introduced him to the American Red Cross.

"As a teen, I had to go through a pretty substantial surgery, and back then, hospitals wanted you to donate your own blood in advance of the procedure," he says. "So I had been in the Red Cross' Santa Cruz office to donate blood a few years before the earthquake. I remember that the people there were fantastic, but before the quake, that had been the extent of my experience with the Red Cross."

During the quake, however, Martinez saw an entirely new side of the Red Cross mission: Volunteers and employees — tirelessly and helpfully — provided 'round-the-clock support to the first responders who were working long shifts in downtown Santa Cruz. "The Red Cross provided all of the food, water, and supplies that we needed during those weeks," he says. "I came away pretty impressed."

Still, life happened and Martinez's interest in giving back to the Red Cross wouldn't really take root for another 20 years. The relationship was rekindled by a phone call informing him that the local chapter had selected him to receive a Law Enforcement Hero Award for the efforts he had been making to improve public safety and bring together business owners and other stakeholders to improve the quality of Santa Cruz's downtown area.

"The Red Cross found me," he says. "And I am very glad they did."

Shortly after that, Martinez joined the local chapter's Board of Directors, providing important public-safety representation on the board. In that capacity, Martinez has served as board vice chair, chair of the board's Executive Committee, member of the Heroes Committee, and — in 2014 — as chair of the board.

That was the same year that Martinez discovered yet another side of the Red Cross mission — the work the organization quietly does in support of members of the military and their families.

"The Red Cross was really there for a cousin of mine, an Air Force Pararescue Jumper stationed in Afghanistan," he says. "Because of the Red Cross, he was able to fly home and spend time with his ill father before he died. For the Red Cross to do that with such efficiency, I was very thankful.”

The Red Cross extended its appreciation to Martinez this past spring when it honored him with the organization's prestigious Clara Barton Award at the Central Coast Chapter's annual Volunteer Recognition Event. The award, the highest the American Red Cross bestows on volunteers, recognizes meritorious service in volunteer leadership positions held over a period of years.

"I don't consider myself worthy of this award considering how active so many of the other volunteers in the Central Coast Chapter are," Martinez says modestly. But his modesty doesn't mean he isn't grateful — and extremely proud of the honor.

"I've witnessed first-hand the work that the Red Cross does in supporting the nation's blood supply, in helping people recover from disasters, and in providing key support to our military families — and that's just in my relatively short association with the Red Cross," he says. "I do feel undeserving of the award, but I am very honored to be selected to receive it."Article contributed by American Red Cross Central Coast

March 5, 2018

Santa Cruz Police Department created five Neighborhood Policing Teams assigned to areas within the City of Santa Cruz. The Neighborhood Policing Teams put more SCPD officers on the streets to increase community policing and activate crime-fighting strategies. There are five introduction community meetings. One for each designated neighborhood policing area.Meet and Greet YOURNeighborhood Policing TeamTeams led by a dedicated Lieutenant, Sergeant, and officers charged with implementing strategies to prevent and reduce crime and improve neighborhood policing.

See and Hear The PLANFor YOUR Neighborhood Policing AreaTo tackle the underlying causes of crime and safety issues and put sustainable solutions in place.

March 1, 2018

On Wednesday, February 28, 2018, Santa Cruz Police Department conducted a Homeless Assessment Outreach in all of the Neighborhood Policing Areas. The mission was to make contact with and survey every unsheltered individual in the city.

“It can take many contacts to encourage people living on the street to accept services,” said Police Chief Andrew Mills. “Every person has their own story and path to the streets. It is essential to find out where they are from and how they got here. And to extend resources".

Outreach Stats - A total of 251 surveys were completed. Estimated over 500 un-duplicated homeless person contacts were made.

Enforcement Stats - 89 citations issued and 28 arrests made. These arrests and citations were for warrants, possession of illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia, littering, open containers, trespassing, and loitering. 6 vehicles were towed and impounded.

As part of the survey, an officer will ask a series of questions about their background, including age, where they came from, how long they've been homeless and why they moved here. Information such as veteran status or if they became homeless as a result of fleeing domestic violence will help officers to direct them to services. The survey is voluntary, and people are free to give as much information as they want.

In this coordinated operation, the Santa Cruz Police Department also addresses livability issues related to transients loitering and numerous encampments on public property. Yesterday's cooperative effort between the River Street Emergency Transition Camp, the Santa Cruz Police Department along with Mental Health liaisons provided directions to services for homeless people.

Recognizing the many challenges related to this issue, the Santa Cruz Police Department works closely with mental health professionals, drug and alcohol abuse rehabilitation counselors to provide resources and services to those in need before enforcement action.

The Santa Cruz Police Department is requesting assistance from the community in identifying a person who attempted to force his way into a house on the100 block of Carbonero Drive.

On Thursday, February 22, 2018, around 4 pm, a person knocked on the victim’s front door. When the victim greeted the suspect, the suspect told the victim he wanted to talk about “The good book.” The suspect also inquired if “the man of the house was home.” The suspect also made comments to the victim regarding their age and looking younger. During the conversation, the suspect asked to come inside the house, and the victim declined. The victim reported they tried to end the conversation and began to close the front door. The suspect used both hands and started pushing the door back open. The victim had to place their foot on the wall as leverage successfully forcing the front door closed. The victim reported yelling and screaming they were calling the police. The suspect fled on foot running towards El Rancho Drive.

The suspect is described as a clean-shaven white male, medium to heavy build, wearing a light blue dress shirt, and a black jacket, holding a book. Attached to this release is a sketch of the suspect.

February 23, 2018

Meet and Greet YOURNeighborhood Policing TeamTeams led by a dedicated Lieutenant, Sergeant, and officers charged with implementing strategies to prevent and reduce crime and improve neighborhood policing.

See and Hear The PLANFor YOUR Neighborhood Policing AreaTo tackle the underlying causes of crime and safety issues and put sustainable solutions in place.

February 21, 2018

On Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at approximately 2:20 pm, Santa Cruz Police officers were called to Bayview Elementary School regarding a student’s aggressive behavior in the classroom. An 11-year-old male student physically acted out causing concern. Educators followed established protocol and guided students from the room to safety awaiting police arrival. The Santa Cruz Police Department arrived within minutes and detained the student who had barricaded himself in the classroom. The student was safely removed from school, and transported to a care facility.

Further investigation revealed the 5th-grade student planned to harm specific students. The student’s family is cooperating with investigators and school administrators. Santa Cruz Police recovered and secured one firearm from the child’s home.

The police department worked with school administrators to provide notification of the incident to parents and staff. This case underscores the importance of the working relationship and full cooperation between Santa Cruz City Schools and the Police. The police School Resource Officer is there to ensure the safety of students and staff in our city schools. We are thankful the situation was resolved as quickly and safely as possible, without injury to students or staff.

February 5, 2018

The Santa Cruz Police is asking for the public’s help in identifying this person. Detectives believe the suspect to be directly involved in the armed robbery at US Bank on January 10, 2018.

If you know who this person is, please contact Santa Cruz Police Department Investigation section at (831) 420-5820. If you see this person, do not attempt to contact, just call 911. This person is considered armed and dangerous.

Original Incident: CASE NUMBER: 18S-00274A bank robbery occurred on January 10, 2018, at the US Bank at 110 Morrissey Blvd. The suspect entered the bank wearing a hood, black sunglasses with his face concealed. The subject displayed a firearm, scaring the employees and stole cash from the bank. He was last seen fleeing the area on foot. The subject is described as being a white male, approximately 6ft tall with a slender build. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with a brown jacket over it. He was further described as wearing light brown pants and light brown boots described as “construction boots.”

The photo below shows the suspect during the robbery.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Santa Cruz Police Department Investigations Unit at (831) 420-5820. If you recognize the suspect, please call 9-1-1 to report this information. Anonymous tips can also be sent to the police department through our Tip Line (831) 420-5995, or www.santacruzpolice.com